Traumatic brain injury presents a significant impact on patients in terms of morbidity and mortality. Pathology is heterogeneous and is often associated with secondary deterioration. This paper reviews both clinical and research modes of monitoring to detect deterioration and compares what is available to the ideal. Intracranial pressure measurement, jugular venous oxygen saturation, microdialysis and cerebral oxygen monitoring are among the variables described and future research-based modalities are explored.
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